Author: amellina

by Sjón I nod to the notion that the interpretation of any art form is left to its viewer. Once the painter, the sculptor, or the writer, releases the work out to the public, the creator no longer possesses its meaning. I don’t understand paintings, let alone sculpture, but I adore the theatre and literature. Most books are straightforward that they leave little to explore. … Continue reading I Just Read: “Moonstone: The Boy Who Never Was” by Sjón

“It went by too fast!” – says myself at the end of every year. Then I’d try to recollect what I’ve done in the past 364 days. Finally, I’d whimper silently at the undeniable fact that I will age one year older. It doesn’t help much to have a birthday in February, you’ll feel you’re aging faster than everybody else. The year 2016 was an … Continue reading 2016

Last July I celebrated a year of living in Japan. Work contract has been extended, so I’ll hopefully be celebrating a second year anniversary next year. As I enter my second year, I made a decision to move to Tokyo. I moved from the suburbs of Yokohama, where most residents were grandmothers and high-school students and residents’ festivals were held frequently. There’s nothing wrong with … Continue reading Living Japan #5: Tokyo “City Girl”

You’ve seen videos of Japanese school kids cleaning up their classes together or the Japanese supporters tidying up their sections at a World Cup 2014. So “Japanese”, aren’t they? The habit of keeping personal hygiene starts since childhood. Many Japanese adults still brush their teeth after meal. Although the dental medics society have been continuously debating on the merits of brushing teeth before meal or after meal, I’ve … Continue reading Living Japan #4: Hygiene and yes, the toilets

Amy was a diamond. Shining bright in her powerful voice. She evolved from a raw talent who jams cheesy line yet catchy melody to an uncanny lyricist with characteristic jazz. But Amy was clearly fighting depression. Nothing was well planned, she was a vulnerable young girl who went deep without needed protection system. Amy wanted to get better. She got out of drugs, but alcohol … Continue reading Amy: Jewel Faded Too Soon

It’s been a while since I last read a book as touching as this one. Anthony Doerr masterfully tells the story in short chapters – no longer than five pages each – flowing with detail. I found myself too emotional to flip a page at times, but I always did to answer my urgent question, “Then what happens?” The short fractions did not fail to catch attention … Continue reading I Just Read: “All the Light We Cannot See” by Anthony Doerr

If you’re considering moving to Japan, be ready to get on board the major first mission. I didn’t have to do too much for moving to Italy and Malawi, for having found good places to live in before arriving. But moving to Japan was different because my company let us live in the dormitory while finding by ourselves a place that fits our taste. So … Continue reading Living Japan #3: Mission Apartment, Part One

Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami This is not my first Murakami, unlike many recommend it for. Thus I joined those who complained about its “commonness” – in the beginning. I was disappointed to find the theme of suicide and sadness like in other Japanese novels. Too typical. Plus I was reading this after a novel on World War 2 which was also drenched in death … Continue reading I Just Read: “Norwegian Wood” by Haruki Murakami

Just finished a book by another Japanese writer, this one with young people set in the more recent years. I was actually reading another book of speeches, but it was left behind when I moved so I can’t finish it yet. Banana Yoshimoto’s style is contemplative and fresh. If you like Murakami, most likely you’ll like her. Here’s My thoughts on “Kitchen” : Goodreads Next review: … Continue reading I Just Read: “Kitchen” (and “Moonlight Shadow”) by Banana Yoshimoto

Today after lunch, a department staff kindly took me to the Hayama Town Hall to register myself as a resident. The building was familiar; I remembered seeing its image when googling about the town. There, I was comforted by the system and people’s efficiency. Registering as a new long-term resident is convenient. Let me explain from the start. Weeks before my arrival, I was asked … Continue reading Living in Japan: Eating with Chopsticks #2 – Non-Alien Registration